August Wesley <Back Narragansett Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach/Athlete 2025 August Wesley is an international wrestler and head coach. He is a Narragansett Indian and given the name Hiawatha in representing the tribe located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. August is an accomplished wrestler that represented Team USA six times including the UWW Veteran World Championships. He is a gold medalist competing for Sunkist and also won six USA Greco-Roman National Team Championships. Wesley is a highly decorated coach with over 30 years coaching experience. He was selected 14 times to lead USA teams at international competition in 27 countries on five continents. He has led USA teams to five team titles, twice in Australia, and in Germany, Austria and Hungary. Nationally he offers technical wrestling clinics and motivational speaking. Wesley was selected to coach at the US Olympic Training Center. He has a Bronze Certification with USA Wrestling, accredited interscholastic certification, and is a former member of the California Coaches Association. These credentials and achievements culminated in his selection as a state representative for USA GRIT (Greco-Roman Initiative Team) for his years of dedication and development of the sport. Wesley was nominated as the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Coach of the Year. He received West Coast Conference Coach of the Year honors, and named a two-time college coach of the year at Sacramento State University after winning two California State Championships. While at Iowa State University as Head Club Coach they achieved five All Americans, qualified 24 wrestlers to the national's, and also winning the Great Plains Conference team title. He earned international success as the outstanding freestyle coach, leading Team USA to a championship trophy in Austria and Australia. Wesley accumulated over 145 high school wins and has guided many wrestlers to receiving NCAA Division 1 scholarships through his club California Elite. He served as assistant coach at the Senior Nationals and Sierra College capturing the California State Championship. He was the head coach for CPV at the 2022 and 2023 UWW World Championships in Europe. Wesley also coached the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Continental Championships in Africa and 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifiers. He serves as the Cabo Verde Secretary General and President of referees commission for Africa. Wesley was nominated to the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements.

< Back Michael “Bo” Vocu Michael “Bo” Vocu Oglala Sioux Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Builder 2025 Michael “Bo” Vocu is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, originally from Kyle, SD, and has made a significant mark in the rodeo world. Raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Bo was inspired by the rodeo legends around him, especially his father, Dale, and aspired to follow in their footsteps. His dedication to the sport led him to a successful career in bull riding, earning him numerous accolades. Bo qualified for the South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals all four years and was named runner-up state champion in 1992. Bo later attended Chadron State College on a rodeo scholarship, where he continued to refine his skills and build his legacy in the sport. Bo’s professional career took off in 1994 when he qualified for the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) for the first time. This marked the beginning of 14 INFR qualifications over the course of his career. In 1997, Bo moved to Arizona, where his bull riding career flourished. He won numerous titles and was crowned the All Indian Professional Rodeo Association World Champion in 2000. Bo takes pride in competing and winning at major Indian rodeos across the country and the lifelong friendships he’s formed along the way. He also participated in the PRCA and PBR, retiring in 2010 at the INFR. Beyond his competitive success, Bo’s impact on rodeo deepened when he became a commissioner of the INFR in 2007. He played a crucial role in relocating the INFR to Las Vegas, NV, and in developing programs for rodeo officials and stock contractors. In 2010, Bo and his fellow commissioners made it mandatory to include both junior and senior events at all INFR rodeos and Finals, preserving the family legacy of the sport. He was also instrumental in establishing the INFR Hall of Fame to honor the achievements of legendary athletes and contributors. As president of the INFR for the past decade, Bo has overseen the crowning of 228 INFR World Champions. Under his leadership, the INFR has grown into one of the largest rodeo organizations in North America and continues to grow every year. Bo’s favorite moment remains to see junior contestants receive their back numbers—a symbol of their entry into the sport and fulfilling dreams that inspire him daily. He knows the sport of rodeo will live on! In addition to his personal achievements, Bo also helped establish and coach the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Team Wolves, an all-Indian team that competed for three years in the PBR Global Cup, further solidifying his legacy and commitment to advancing Native representation in rodeo and bull riding. Michael “Bo” Vocu’s influence on the rodeo world extends far beyond his impressive list of personal accomplishments. Through his leadership, vision, and dedication to preserving the traditions of the sport, Bo has become a key figure in the rodeo community, particularly in promoting Native American involvement and representation. His contributions to the INFR, the PBR Team Wolves, and the next generation of rodeo athletes ensure that his impact will continue to inspire and shape the future of the sport for years to come. With an unwavering commitment to family, tradition, and community, Bo Vocu’s legacy in the rodeo world is one of enduring excellence. <Back

< Back Alvin Begay Jr. Alvin Begay Jr. Navajo Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Alvin Begay Jr. was born and raised on the Navajo Nation in Ganado, Arizona. Alvin tells his personal story of growing up in a traditional Hogan herding sheep and riding horses. Alvin’s family did not have a vehicle so he ran three to four miles to Ganado Trading Post and the post office for mail or errands for his parents. On one occasion, Alvin’s older sister asked him to run for help to the hospital, as she was in labor ready to give birth. He turned around after notifying the hospital and almost beat the ambulance back to his sister’s home. Alvin won a blue ribbon in sixth grade for running and leaving everyone behind by a great distance. Winning the blue ribbon was the beginning of a running career for Alvin, as he became one of the best high school runners in Arizona cross-country and track. Alvin won state cross country in 1978 and was a high school All American. In 1982, Alvin ran for Haskell Jr. College where he was second team All American in cross-country, and in 1983 he was second team All American running indoor track. Coach Gerald Tuckwin talked about Alvin as one of the best runners he coached. Alvin ran the 1985 Colorado Springs Pepsi Challenge 10K races winning and qualifying for the Western States Pepsi Challenge 10k where he finished with a time of 29.34 behind Rod Dixon. Alvin returned to school in 1986 at Dine College running at the collegiate level again winning the men’s NJCAA National Marathon championship and All American honors. The family’s most memorable races was Alvin winning the 1988 Duke City Marathon in a time of 2.20.50. The 10k Sedona Road race where Alvin surprised the elite runners by winning first place in a time of 28.34. Alvin’s notable running accomplishments include winning the Washington Pass now Narbona Pass Classic 10k race five times. Alvin is a full time rancher and enjoys the company of his sheep, cattle, horses and dogs. <Back

< Back Vic Mercredi Vic Mercredi Métis Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Vic Mercredi achieved the honour of being the first player born and raised in the Northwest Territories to be drafted and signed by a National Hockey League Team in 1973. Mercredi started his junior career in 1969 playing in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League for the Penticton Broncos. In his first season he scored 16 goals and 34 points in 48 games. He followed this season by continuing and improving with 50 goals and 106 points in 51 games, making many take note of his skills as an offensive player. He was awarded the British Columbia Junior Hockey League Most Valuable Player trophy and was a unanimous First Team All-Star. After two seasons with the Broncos, Mercredi moved up to major junior hockey playing two seasons with the New Westminster Bruins in the Western Canada Junior Hockey League. He continued to grow and establish himself as a solid offensive player, scoring 24 goals and 54 points in 68 games. Mercredi could shoot equally well both left-handed and right handed. He took advantage of this unique ability by using a straight stick. In 1973, Mercredi was drafted 16th overall in the first round of the 1973 National Hockey League Amateur Draft by the Atlanta Flames and 35th overall in the 1973 World Hockey Association Amateur Draft by the Houston Aeros. This was a start of a successful professional career that included 68 games with the 1973 Omaha Knights, scoring 21 goals and 57 points, two games in the National Hockey League with the 1974 Atlanta Flames, 64 games with the 1974 Omaha Knights scoring 10 goals and 26 points, three games with the 1975 Calgary Cowboys in the World Hockey Association, and 52 games with the 1975 Baltimore Clippers in the American Hockey League. His next stop was Stockholm, Sweden with the Hammarby IF in 1976. There he played 18 games, scoring five goals and 14 points. He returned home to the successful career with two seasons in the Pacific Hockey League playing 42 games with the 1977 Phoenix Roadrunners, scoring 16 goals and 40 points and 29 games with the 1978 Tucson Rustlers, scoring 8 goals and 28 points. Mercredi finished his career with the 1979 Delta Kings in the British Columbia Senior Hockey League. <Back

< Back Bryan Trottier Bryan Trottier Chippewa Cree Métis Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Bryan Trottier is Cree Métis from Val Marie, Saskatchewan and he was one of the National Hockey League's premier centremen. Trottier won six Stanley Cups as a player, including four-straight championships with the New York Islanders between 1980 and 1983, and two back-to-back in 1991 and 1992 with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and a seventh as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. Trottier began his hockey career playing for the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Canada Junior Hockey League during the seasons of 1972-1973 and 1973-1974. In the latter season, he scored 41 goals and 71 assists for a total of 112 points in 68 games. He finished his first season with league records for a rookie in assists (63) and points (95), earning the NHL's Calder Trophy awarded annually to the most outstanding newcomer. Playing in 77 games in the 1977-78 season, Trottier had 46 goals and 77 assists for a total of 123 points. During the 1978-79 season, Trottier compiled his best season statistics ever, scoring 47 goals and 87 assists for a total of 134 points, making him the league's top scorer and earning him the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player. Trottier was also the recipient of the Art Ross Trophy in 1979, and the Hart Memorial Trophy also in 1979. In 1980 he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most outstanding performer in NHL post-season play. In 1989 he won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. In 1998 he was honored with the National Aboriginal Achievement Award. Trottier was selected to nine NHL All Star Games and had his number raised to the rafters by the New York Islanders on October 20, 2001. He shares the NHL single period record of scoring six points including four goals and two assists and is one of only eight NHL players to have multiple five goal games. After his playing career was over, he was hired as the head coach of the New York Rangers for a season. He also worked as head coach for the Portland Pirates of the AHL for the 1997-1998 season, and he was also a Colorado Avalanche assistant coach. The Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2001. In 2014 he was an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres. Trottier won countless awards and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was named in the “Top 100 Greatest Players in the NHL.” In 2022, he authored his memoir, “All Roads Home: A Life On and Off the Ice” and it has become a national bestseller. <Back

< Back Charles and William Martin Charles and William Martin Lac Vieux Desert Band of Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 On June 29, 2024, Charles Martin and his father, William Martin, reached the summit of Mount Rainier, standing 14,411 feet above sea level. For them, this achievement was about much more than simply conquering one of the most challenging mountains in the United States. It was a shared journey that tested their endurance and strengthened the bond between father and son. Charles had long sought to challenge himself physically and mentally. Climbing Mount Rainier with his father became the perfect opportunity to do so. Their preparation for the climb spanned months, with both Charles and William dedicating time to mastering the essential skills of mountaineering. From learning how to navigate crevasses to enduring the unpredictable weather conditions, they worked tirelessly together, becoming not only physically stronger but also more attuned to each other’s strengths. Climbing Mount Rainier was as much about teamwork as it was about personal determination, and for Charles and William, it was the ultimate test of both. Summit day began in the early hours, long before the sun rose. Together, they navigated the steep, icy slopes and the physically demanding conditions that tested their limits. With each step, the mental and physical toll grew, but the presence of each other fueled their determination. As the first light of day broke across the mountain, they knew they were close to achieving their goal. When Charles and William finally stood at the summit, it was a moment of shared triumph. The journey to the top had been grueling, but their bond had been strengthened along the way. For the Martins, standing on top of Mount Rainier was not just a personal victory but also a symbol of the connection they had forged through the challenges they overcame together. For Charles and William Martin, the summit of Mount Rainier will forever remain a powerful reminder of perseverance, teamwork, and the unforgettable adventure they experienced as father and son. <Back

< Back Rebekah Howe Rebekah Howe Crow Creek Sioux Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Rebekah (Bekah) Howe is Crow Creek Sioux. She plays competitive pétanque and has medaled at regional, national, and international events. Bekah started playing pétanque casually in 2012. She began competing regionally in 2014, and played her first national competition in 2015, bringing home a silver medal in the National Women’s Doubles category. In 2018 she won gold in the National Women’s Singles event and the National Mixed Doubles event. Her first international competition was in 2022, where she represented the U.S. at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama alongside her teammates Janice Bissonnette, Juanita Celix, and Chia Vang. In addition to the women’s team competition, Bekah participated in the precision shooting event where she took the silver medal, earning the first international medal for the United States in pétanque. Most recently, her women’s triples team of Gerda Jorgensen and Chia Vang qualified to represent the U.S. at the 2023 Pétanque World Championships in Thailand. Bekah believes in the power of sport to build community. She has served on the board of her local pétanque club since its inception, and encourages everyone to learn more about her favorite sport, pétanque, and come out and play. She lives in Port Townsend, WA with her husband Silas Holm, who also plays competitive pétanque, and her dog Lou. One of her favorite sport moments was winning the 2018 National Mixed Doubles with Silas. She hopes to play pétanque well into her old age, with her walker or wheelchair if necessary. Photo Credits: Carlos Chavez and Federation of Petanque USA <Back

< Back Rebecca Wolfe Damas Rebecca Wolfe Damas Eastern Band of Cherokee Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Rebecca Wolfe Damas is enrolled in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She began swimming at age six with her local summer league team, then quickly found success in year-round swimming with her club team. In age-group swimming she was Texas state champion six times. Rebecca was selected three times to attend the annual United States Swimming Olympic Development Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The highlight of her age-group career was winning the national championship in the 200-meter butterfly at age 13 in Santa Clara, CA, and setting a Texas state record in the event. Rebecca swam for Clear Creek High School in League City, TX, setting four individual and two relay records. She was a high school All-American, in addition to achieving Scholastic All- American status. She was an All-State swimmer in the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard individual medley. She graduated in 2000 as a Magna Cum Laude graduate, senior class officer, member of the National Honor Society, and a Peer Assistance Leadership Student. Rebecca’s high school achievements were further recognized in 2023 with her induction into the Clear Creek Independent School District Athletic Hall of Honor. Rebecca continued her swimming career, first at the University of Nebraska, then at the University of Missouri. In 2001 at Nebraska, she won the Big 12 Conference title in the 200-yard butterfly, setting a conference championship meet record that stood for 18 years. At Missouri, she won a second Big 12 title in the 200-yard butterfly in 2003. At both Nebraska and Missouri, Rebecca was a NCAA championship meet qualifier and a Scholastic All-American. As a finalist at the NCAA championship meet in 2001, she was named to the NCAA Division I All-American swim team. Further recognition of her college career came in 2006 when she was one of only twelve women who were named to the Big 12 Conference Swimming and Diving 10th Anniversary Team. The highlight of Rebecca’s career was qualifying and swimming at Olympic trials in 2000 and 2004. Rebecca graduated Cum Laude from Missouri in 2004 with dual Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Communications. Photos: Colin Damas and Mizzou Athletic Department <Back

< Back Levi Horn Levi Horn Northern Cheyenne Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Levi Horn is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne and resides in Lame Deer, Montana. Horn attributes his work ethic to his mother Julia Horn that raised three children on her own. Childhood was hard as poverty and the past trauma of Native people were very noticeable around Levi. The on thing that kept Levi looking forward was the chance to play football. Horn remembers telling all of his friends when he was six years old that he would play in the NFL. Having this dream pushed him to commit to school in high school and stay out of trouble. In high school he earned all-conference and all-state honors in Washington at the tight-end position for a struggling school. This is were he caught the attention of local universities and committed to the University of Oregon. Horn redshirted at Oregon and transferred at the end of the year and admits that he wasn’t ready. Horn transferred to the University of Montana. Horn recalls seeing other Native Americans on campus and professors that helped his confidence on the academic side. His first year at Montana he saw substantial playing time due to injuries on the team and he knew that he could play at this level. Horn then started his junior year at left tackle and he was named All Big Sky Conference. In 2009, he was named Third Team All American Associated Press and The Sports Network, First Team All-American AFCA and received the University of Montana Paul Weskamp Award. Horn then signed his Undrafted Free Agent contract with the Chicago Bears on draft day. His first year he made the practice squad and the Bears went to the NFC Championship game. His second year Horn made the 53 man roster under offensive line coach Mike Tice. In 2011, he was honored as a member of the Top 40 under 40 with the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Horn now works and coaches at his alma mater and visits reservations to speak about the importance of having a dream <Back

Iroquois Nationals 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships Silver Medalists Team 2026 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back Iroquois Nationals Announce Roster for 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships The Iroquois Nationals announced their official team roster today for the 2015 FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships (WILC). They were also the host team as the World Games were held at the home of the game: The Onondaga Nation, capital of the Iroquois Confederacy. The official Iroquois Nationals roster: Player, Team Angus Goodleaf, Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) Mike Thompson, Kahnawake Mohawks Warren Hill, Six Nations Rivermen Gowah Abrams, Seneca Warchiefs Johnny Powless, Georgia Swarm (NLL) Jeff Shattler, Calgary Roughnecks (NLL) Austin Staats, Six Nations Arrows Jerome Haina Thompson, Buffalo Bandits (NLL) Roger Vyse, Six Nations Rivermen Craig Point, Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) Lyle Thompson, University of Albany – NLL Draft ‘15 Randy Staats, Syracuse University – NLL Draft ‘15 Miles Thompson, Georgia Swarm (NLL) Sid Smith, Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) Tyler Garrison, Vancouver Stealth (NLL) Brandon Goodwin, Buffalo Bandits (NLL) Tom Montour, Six Nations Rivermen Adam Bomberry, Akwesasne Indians Brier Jonathan, Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) Wenster Green, Peterborough Lakers Brett Bucktooth, New England Black Wolves (NLL) Kedoh Hill, Buffalo Bandits (NLL) Jeremy Thompson, Saskatchewan Rush (NLL) Josh Becker, Allegany Arrows (CAN-AM)

< Back Asa Shenandoah Asa Shenandoah Lumbee/Tuscarora/Onondaga Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Asa Shenandoah, Daiaweñdodeh, represents two bloodlines. Her mother’s people, the Lumbee and Tuscarora Tribes of North Carolina, are river, swamp and coastal folk. Her father’s people welcomed the Peacemaker into Haudenosaunee territory on the Onondaga Lake. Though Shenandoah was adopted by her father’s nation at birth, her call to water comes from both sides. Shenandoah attended St. Andrew’s School in Delaware where she discovered rowing. She was moved to the top varsity boat as a sophomore, one of two underclassman on an all senior boat. That year she competed in the most prestigious high school rowing competition in the world, the 2004 Stotesbury Regatta. The team won with a time of 5:29:05 in the 1500m sprint. Their success secured them entry into the Henley Royal Regatta in England. Henley attracts Olympic and elite intercollegiate competitors from around the globe. Few high school programs participate. Her team set a divisional course record during the semifinals. They placed second in the finals. After college Shenandoah was approached to help create a Native crew team in Onondaga. At one time the lake had become one of the most polluted lakes in the world. She saw this as an opportunity to help to repair her community’s relationship with, and bring exposure to, the water. Shenandoah began coaching for the Syracuse City School crew team and Syracuse Chargers Rowing Club.These programs gave her the experience, certifications and support to grow the first indigenous crew team. Under her leadership the team gained representatives from across the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She built connections that brought the team instruction from the head coach of Colgate University, training with Virginia Commonwealth University Women’s team and use of Syracuse University’s training facilities. They competed in several regattas within the first year. This crew of mothers, grandmothers, college students and aunties advocated for women and promoted wellness within their community. Since COVID, however, they are on hiatus. The goal for Shenandoah having a boathouse on the lake would be the first time the Onondaga People would occupy a place on the water in a very long time. <Back

LA Williams <Back Diné Induction Category: Media Year Inducted 2023 L.A. Williams is a longtime Diné broadcaster, sports announcer, commentator, and public speaker from the Navajo Nation. She has worked as a sports radio broadcaster for nearly 30 years, bringing sports events to the Navajo people through the radio airwaves. She started her broadcasting career while attending Fort Lewis College in the early ‘90s before becoming the sports voice of the Navajo Nation as the sports director at KTNN, a local Navajo radio station that prides itself in delivering a Navajo language only broadcast. While at KTNN, she attended many sporting events, commentating and announcing in the Navajo language for the people. During the 1993/1994 NBA season, she signed a contract with the Phoenix Suns, and worked closely with Suns announcer Al McCoy, who challenged the idea that a Phoenix Suns game play-by-play could be done entirely in Navajo. Williams not only made it happen, but went on to interview sports celebrities Robin Roberts, Kobie Bryant, and Chery Miller, to name a few. Williams also regularly broadcasts in Navajo from the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and has broadcasted a number of NFL games in Diné. She spent 20 years at KTNN and was dubbed “The Voice of Navajo Sports,” before taking up the communications specialist position at Winslow Indian Health Care Center from 2016-2019. During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she used her Navajo language skills to translate and relay pandemic-related information to the Diné. During the 2021/2022 NBA season, she returned to Phoenix and provided play-by-play during the NBA Playoffs. Williams is now the program manager at Diné College’s KXWR station, where she trains Navajo students to become the next generation of Navajo radio broadcasters, in hopes of continuing the Diné language.